Eastside Gang Dismantled in Gun and Drug Arrests

Eastside Gang Dismantled in Gun and Drug Arrests

INDIANAPOLIS—United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that an Eastside gang has been dismantled as 20 of its members were arrested by federal, state and local law enforcement this morning. Over 525 agents, troopers, officers and support personnel served search and arrest warrants today in early morning raids in some of Indianapolis’ most challenged neighborhoods.

“Protecting our neighborhoods is a shared responsibility of all law enforcement agencies in Marion County,” said Minkler. “Preventing violent crime and holding those accountable who choose to terrorize our community remains one of this office’s top priorities.”

In late 2014, the FBI and IMPD began an investigation into a gang operating on the eastside of Indianapolis known as Block Burners. The gang of approximately 90 members operated in the area of East 42nd Street and North Post Road, which was in the heart of one of the Indianapolis Department of Public Safety’s focus areas. According to law enforcement officials, the Block Burner gang was one of the most violent operating in Indianapolis.

Through various investigative techniques, law enforcement quickly learned that the majority of the gang members were engaged in violence and were distributing pound-quantities of heroin, cocaine, marijuana and prescription pain pills. It was further learned that the gang members would routinely possess illegal weapons to carry out their illegal activities.

Today’s enforcement action included approximately 525 law enforcement personnel, 19 partner agencies and 19 SWAT teams from all around the state of Indiana and the Midwest. Search and arrest teams served 22 federal and state warrants at 32 different locations in two waves. Warrants today produced 21 firearms, multiple quantities of heroin, cocaine, marijuana and prescription pain pills as well as over $53,000 in cash.

Arrested for federal conspiracy to distribute heroin or cocaine include:

David Williams, 36

Fred Davidson, 32

Damon Smith, 19, a/k/a Dumm

Dustin Murry, 28, , a/k/a D-Rock

Scott Foor, 34, a/k/a White Boy

Mark Nelson, 29

Donte York, 23

Darrell Stennis, 26

Aaron Garrett, 22, a/k/a Nanny

Anthony Burgess, 22

Brandon Jordan, 27, a/k/a B

William Davenport, 25

Garrett, Jordan and Murry also face federal charges of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity.

“The FBI recognizes the hard work and dedication of our close partners on the Safe Streets Task Force, to include the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the United States Attorney’s Office, Fishers Police Department, Carmel Police Department and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office,” said W. Jay Abbott, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Indianapolis. “Together, we conducted an extensive investigation, dedicated significant resources, and utilized a myriad of investigative techniques to disrupt the violent crimes perpetrated by this long standing gang. With today’s enforcement action, the leadership, hierarchy, members and support network of this violent gang have been decimated. The citizens of Indianapolis can be assured the streets are safer and the FBI remains vigilant to combat violent crime wherever it may be.”

“We’ve identified key persons and areas entrenched in violence and drug activity within Indianapolis, said IMPD Chief Rick Hite. “Today is a shining example of the collaboration with our Federal, State and local partners while listening to the concerns within our community. These arrests serve as a reminder to those who wreak havoc on our community; that you will be investigated, and you will be arrested.”

“Strategic investigations such as this are key to dismantling the criminal enterprises which contribute to violent crime and illegal drug distribution in our community,” Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry added. “We appreciate the cooperation of the law enforcement agencies, agents, troopers, officers and prosecutors involved in this investigation.”

Indiana State Police Supt. Doug Carter said, “To successfully conclude an investigation of this magnitude takes an incredible amount of manpower and coordination to ensure the safety of the community at large as well as the police officers executing the warrants.”

According to Michelle Brady who is prosecuting this case for the government, all defendants could spend decades in prison if convicted of all crimes.

A criminal complaint is only a charge and all defendants are considered innocent until proven otherwise in court.